Better Communication- Less Kerfuffle

Better Communication – Less Kerfuffle

Communication is the backbone of business, cooperation, family and more. When we exchange ideas and information, there can be great understanding and connection. I have to admit, I often think things and don’t impart my thoughts thus leaving a gap in communication. And, there are times when important questions should be asked that I don’t even think of asking thus, communication comes up lacking. Of all people in the world, I need a better handle on communicating! I know this to be true. And for all of my family members reading our blog, I’m working on it! LOL and LOL!

According to Greg Satell, a Forbes contributor, communication is “todays most important skill”. His article takes him back to a time in high school when a speaker mentioned that of all the traits of the great Winston Churchill, communication was his “power” Apparently the British leader was exceptional in imparting information to others and getting results from it.

I want this for myself so I began to research ways to do a better job in my own personal life. Here are the tips I found and I’ve listed the websites from which the ideas came at the bottom:

1. “Give the Impression that You’re Enthusiastic About Talking to Them”. In his book, “How To Win Friends and Influence People”, the author had a similar take. Let the person in which you are communicating know that you are really interested in what that person is saying.

2. Pay Attention to a Person’s Body Language and Nonverbal Communication.

This behavior will tell you many things if you pay attention to it. Watch as well as listen when communicating.

3. Be a Good Listener.

Active listening is a must in order to let another person communicate with you.

If you do not really listen, the person will know that you’re half-hearted in your response to what that person is saying. To let a person know you truly care, you must really listen and hey, don’t butt in every minute. Really listen! ( Just sayin’!)
4. Use Eye Contact.

Looking into the eyes of a person is a sure sign you are attentive to him or her.  Using eye contact is not only polite, it is caring.

5. Use the Person’s Name.
Dale Carnegie knew this to be a real winner. He said that a person’s name is the only thing they really want to hear. Using a person’s name is gold and music to his ears.

6.Realize that your appearance is important in communicating.
Your own appearance is important when communicating. Verbal and non-verbals matter for the listener just as much as for the speaker.

7. Develop skills in having empathy for others.
Sympathy and empathy are two different things. To have sympathy is to feel sorry. To have empathy is to care and feel for another and their position.

8. Clarify what another person is saying by either asking questions or restating what the person has said.

To clarify helps the speaker know that you’re listening and that you have interest in the topic because you’re being sure you “get it”.

9. Genuinely care about the issue related to the conversation of this person. If you care about the person, you will care about their issue.

Josie
http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog/14-very-effective-communication-skills/

http://www.skillsyouneed.com/general/communication-skills.html